MV Perth

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MV Perth is the oldest wooden boat in Western Australia. The small ship is currently owned by Michael Beanland and is currently being completely renovated as a community project, assisted by a number of voluntary organisations and companies. The vessel was designed and built in the early 1900s by A.E.Brown and launched in 1913.

Characteristics

Length Overall (LOA) - 103 feet
Beam: 6.1m
Hull Material: Oregon / Jarrah
Superstructure: Nyatoh
Gross Tonnage: 320t
Engines: 1 x 180hp Kelvin T6 Diesel
Propulsion: Twin Screw, one in each direction
Max Speed: 6 knots (11 km/h)
Generators: 1 x 50kva 3 phase Lister
Fuel Capacity: 500 gallons diesel

History

1914 - S.S.Perth (she was originally a steamship) was launched and operated a ferry service between Barrack Street and Mends Street Double ender, with twin steering stations, twin props, so it didn't need to turn, the driver just walked to the other end as both ends are identical.
Originally powered by 2 coal fired burners operating at 120psi built by McKie and Baxter of Glasgow.
1950 - with the road across the narrows becoming preferred transport across the river, the ferry became an excursion boat.
1970 - the stem engine was removed and went into the Maritime Museum, replaced by a Kelvin t^ diesel, also from Glasgow.
1982 - taken out of service
1986 - refurbished to be used for river transport during the Americas Cup defence
1998 - Rebuilt by Ozco at Swan Dock, Fremantle. Hull was Dynel sheathed (fibreglassed) and the superstructure was also glassed. The vessel was used as a party boat.
White pickets were added to the outside decks to make it look like the American paddle vessels.
At some stage it became known as the Riverboat Gambler, as it ran gambling nights on the Swan River.
2007 - purchased by WA Steamship Company and returned to sit on a mooring, then moved to sit in a pen at Jervoise Bay, Henderson.
2009 - purchased by Perth Boat School (current owner). Leaks repaired, water pump repaired, fuel pump on Lister replaced, electrics repaired, entire fore and stern decks completely stripped, filled, overhauled and revarnished. Community Restoration Project, sponsored by many companies and voluntary organisations

References

(1977). "MTT Quarterly".
(1979). "West Australian Newspaper, January 2nd".
(1982). "Wheels, MTT Westrail".
(1982). "West Australian Newspaper, April 28th".

External links